Staff

The staff in PLASP Early Learning and Child Care Centres are Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECE). PLASP’s centre staff have a valid First Aid Certificate including infant CPR and are required to successfully complete a specifically designed training program. Required training includes Health and Safety Essentials, WHMIS and Food Safety, Administration of Medication and Self Esteem Orientation. Staff must also have a Vulnerable Sector Criminal Reference Check. The infant to caregivers ratio in these programs is 3:1.

The curriculum used in the centres is based on active learning and modelled on the HighScope approach. Research shows that young children learn best from active learning experiences. Staff observe and engage in the children's play, assessing their development in various areas. Caregivers plan activities, based on the children's play interests, with the goal of providing opportunities for children to move to the next developmental level. The daily routine is designed to allow time for the children to explore and learn independently in a nurturing environment.

PLASP embraces the document “How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years” as set out by the Ministry of Education. The four foundations within this document, Belonging, Well-Being, Engagement, and Expression are reflected in the mission of PLASP. Evidence of this professional learning resource guide is observable in all PLASP programs including the infant program.

The curriculum used in the infant program is based on active learning and modelled on the HighScope approach. Research shows that young children learn best from active learning experiences. Staff observe and engage in the children's play, assessing their development in various areas. Caregivers plan activities, based on the children's play interests, with the goal of providing opportunities for children to move to the next developmental level. The daily routine is designed to allow time for the children to explore and learn independently in a nurturing environment.

PLASP embraces the document “How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years” as set out by the Ministry of Education. The four foundations within this document, Belonging, Well-Being, Engagement, and Expression are reflected in the mission of PLASP. Evidence of this professional learning resource guide is observable in all PLASP programs including the infant program.

The staff in PLASP Early Learning and Child Care Centres are Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECE). PLASP’s centre staff have a valid First Aid Certificate including infant CPR and are required to successfully complete a specifically designed training program. Required training includes Health and Safety Essentials, WHMIS and Food Safety, Administration of Medication and Self Esteem Orientation. Staff must also have a Vulnerable Sector Criminal Reference Check. The infant to caregivers ratio in these programs is 3:1.

The Region of Peel requires all families to complete an “Immunization Records Form for Children in Child Care Facilities.” A copy of the child’s immunization record must be attached to this document, and hand-delivered to the centre staff prior to the child’s first day and after any updated immunizations are given. These documents are also forwarded to the Region of Peel.

A healthy and nutritious breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack are prepared daily and served on the premises. Parents are welcome to send formula and/or breast milk in labelled baby bottles. PLASP staff will also provide baby food and whole milk when infants transition from formula or breast milk.

Cribs and bedding are provided for napping. All diapers, diapering creams and baby wipes are provided by PLASP.

No. PLASP centres have their own cooks on premises, so all food is made fresh daily. We use a four week rotating menu, which was developed by a nutritionist. All meals are made “from scratch” (hand breaded chicken, homemade spaghetti sauce, etc.), and there is no processed meat, cheese or canned fruit on the menu.

A majority of infants join us around 12 months of age, which coincides with the time that they are transitioning to table food, so it is beneficial to follow the posted menu. Food is cut into very small pieces for the infants, or even put through a baby food processor to ensure that the texture is manageable. However, if the need arises, we will ensure that we have baby food available.

In addition to the allergy information you have provided to us on your baby’s medical form, we have a detailed food chart posted in the room, with all components of the menu broken down. Prior to your baby’s first day, we ask that you spend a few minutes with one of the staff reviewing the food chart, and marking off any food you do not want your baby to eat. This way we have the information available “at a glance”, and can easily check before serving foods to your baby.

When it is necessary to offer a substitute food, every effort is made to ensure that it is equal in nutritional value, and as similar as possible in appearance to what the rest of the children are eating.

Due to the number of different types of formula available, PLASP does not provide infant formula. You are welcome to send formula and/or breast milk in baby bottles labelled with your child’s name. There is a fridge in the playroom for easy access. The staff will review with you the schedule for offering bottles, as well as your preferred method for heating them.

Yes, your baby will have a crib, labelled with their name, so they are always sleeping in the same place. We provide a sheet and blanket, which we wash at least weekly, or as needed. You are welcome to bring a special blanket or toy that may be of comfort to your baby. These items can either be left at the centre or travel back and forth from home daily.

The schedule in the infant rooms is individualized, based on the needs of the children. Please feel free to provide the staff with details of your baby’s typical schedule prior to their first day. Schedules may change slightly as children transition in to group care as compared with being at home. We will work with you to find the schedule that works for you and your baby.

PLASP provides diapers and wipes, as well as Vaseline and selected diaper creams. If you have a particular diaper cream that you would prefer to use, please provide it to the centre, labelled with your child’s name. You will be asked to sign a form authorizing staff to apply diaper cream to your baby.

During severe weather conditions, school boards could close schools. PLASP does not operate programs at schools when they are closed. Please listen to local radio and television stations, check the PLASP website, or follow PLASP on Twitter and Facebook for updates on school closures. PLASP will make every effort to notify families of closures due to inclement weather. Do not bring children to the centre when the school is closed, unless otherwise notified.

Children are kept indoors when Environment Canada issues cold weather alerts, or when outdoor temperatures are -25C or colder, with or without wind chill. Please see our Adverse Weather Conditions Policy for more information. During warmer months, staff monitor Environment Canada for UV index, heat and air quality alerts, and limit time outdoors for children accordingly. Children will be kept in shaded areas, and the centre staff will provide water and SPF 30+ sunscreen with the permission of parents. You are also encouraged to provide your children with protective clothing.

Staff will be pleased to provide you with updates during the day if you call the centre or in person when you arrive to pick up your baby at the end of the day. Staff can show you the log that is kept for your baby, which will provide you with information regarding how your baby's day was. For example, how much they slept or ate during the day.

Please speak to the Program Director at the centre if you have any questions, would like to visit the Early Learning and Child Care Centre or need more information. We strongly encourage you to speak to the Program Director so that you have as much information as possible to understand the infant program and be comfortable with your child care decision.